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Clementine’s eyes widen and she turns to face me. “Do you want statues?”
“Do you?”
“Honestly? No. Sometimes less is more.”
I hate that I like that answer as much as I do. Clementine never ceases to surprise me. “Then, no statues.”
We continue going over every detail and when we get to the guest list, Clementine pales at the number of politicians attending the wedding. I pat her on the hand, attempting to reassure her it’s no big deal.
“Why would they even want to come?” she asks me. “Shouldn’t they be governing?”
I laugh. “It’s polite to invite. Whether they show up or not is another story.”
We finish up the meeting, leaving no stone, or lace frill, unturned about the details of the wedding. Truly, I’m surprised my grandfather didn’t plan the whole thing before he died. I’m sure he’s laughing his ass off from down below.
Lana walks us out and advises Clementine to call her if she changes her mind about the statues.
“She really wants those statues,” Clementine whispers as I open the door for her.
I chuckle. “Why don’t you ride home with me,” I suggest as we walk out to the parking lot together.
She looks up at me. “What about Mayer?”
I grin. “He’s a big boy. He can find his way home.”
Clementine fiddles with the purse strap slung over her shoulder, but doesn’t accept my offer. “I have to pick up Tenny.”
I cock a brow. “Do you not want to ride with me?”
She laughs, but it’s not a real one. “I’m not sure how to answer that.”
Stefan pulls up to where we stand, and I send a text to Mayer letting him know Clementine is with me.
“Get in,” I say, opening the car door.
“So bossy,” she says, finally entering into the back of the sedan.
I slide in, thankful that Tennyson’s car seat separates us. “Take us to Little Stars Academy, Stefan.”
The chilled air in the car does nothing to cool the heat rushing through my veins from the sudden memory of Clementine riding my hand. I loosen my tie, and try to remind myself there’s a child’s seat in here and my thoughts are very inappropriate. She doesn’t seem to have the same problem I do. She’s stiff, sitting close to the door, gazing out the window. It’s almost like she’s frozen in place. Like a statue, actually. Maybe, I could have a statue of her commissioned for the ceremony. Lana would love that.
“Are you ok?” I ask her, once Stefan has pulled out of the parking lot.
“I’m fine,” she answers all too quickly.
“You sure? You were a little off in the meeting.”
She sags against the seat. “It’s just everything. It’s all catching up to me. It’s a little overwhelming.”
I sit with one arm propped against the window sill of the car door, tugging at my eyebrow as I study her. “You sure that’s all it is?”
She nods. “I’m sure.” She looks over at me. “The shop closes early tomorrow, at two pm, so I thought that would be perfect for you to come taste cakes.”
I lick my lips. “I’d love to taste your cake.”
A red stain paints her cheeks and she turns back to the window.
When we arrive at the modest brick building to pick up Tennyson, I follow her inside.
